Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 3 (PTI) – The Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, representing Kerala’s influential Ezhava community, has accused both the Congress and BJP of marginalizing leaders from the community, while stating that the ruling CPI(M) fares relatively better in ensuring their representation.
In a sharp critique published in Yoganadam, the official mouthpiece of SNDP, general secretary Vellappally Natesanexpressed concern over the exclusion of Ezhavas—who make up 29% of Kerala’s population—from major political decision-making. He alleged that while parties backed by organized religions hold sway over the state's affairs, the Ezhava community remains sidelined.
“Ezhavas are being sidelined in the Congress party. Currently, there is only one Ezhava MLA, K Babu. Even the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president faces marginalization. The Congress leadership may refuse to acknowledge it, but this is the reality,” Natesan wrote. He further warned that even the lone Congress MLA could lose his position in the upcoming elections.
He described the situation in the BJP as even more dismal, without any substantial Ezhava representation in the party’s leadership.
"When the Pinarayi Vijayan government came to power, Ezhavas expected an end to years of neglect. However, no substantial change has taken place,” he noted.
Despite this, he predicted that the Vijayan government is likely to secure a third consecutive term in the next assembly elections.
In his concluding remarks, Natesan urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to address these shortcomings and take corrective measures to ensure fair representation of the Ezhava community in Kerala’s political landscape.
In a sharp critique published in Yoganadam, the official mouthpiece of SNDP, general secretary Vellappally Natesanexpressed concern over the exclusion of Ezhavas—who make up 29% of Kerala’s population—from major political decision-making. He alleged that while parties backed by organized religions hold sway over the state's affairs, the Ezhava community remains sidelined.
Congress and BJP Criticized for Neglecting Ezhavas
Natesan took aim at both the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the BJP, stating that most second-line leaders in these parties belong to organized religious communities.“Ezhavas are being sidelined in the Congress party. Currently, there is only one Ezhava MLA, K Babu. Even the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president faces marginalization. The Congress leadership may refuse to acknowledge it, but this is the reality,” Natesan wrote. He further warned that even the lone Congress MLA could lose his position in the upcoming elections.
He described the situation in the BJP as even more dismal, without any substantial Ezhava representation in the party’s leadership.
CPI(M) Performs Better, But Fails in Key Positions
Natesan acknowledged that the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) is comparatively better in accommodating backward communities within the party structure. However, he pointed out that key positions, such as vice chancellors, Public Service Commission (PSC) members, and MPs, are still largely out of reach for Ezhavas."When the Pinarayi Vijayan government came to power, Ezhavas expected an end to years of neglect. However, no substantial change has taken place,” he noted.
Despite this, he predicted that the Vijayan government is likely to secure a third consecutive term in the next assembly elections.
Call for Corrective Measures
The SNDP leader also made an indirect reference to alleged mismanagement within the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), claiming that certain individuals were engaged in activities that could tarnish the government's reputation.In his concluding remarks, Natesan urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to address these shortcomings and take corrective measures to ensure fair representation of the Ezhava community in Kerala’s political landscape.
